About Us
Founded in 2013, MRCI is a government-approved organization dedicated to environmental research, conservation, community development, medical assistance, and content creation in Madagascar. Our work spans marine, forest, and turtle conservation, as well as English teaching and infrastructure projects in remote villages. In partnership with international organizations, we support long-term monitoring and species-focused initiatives to protect Madagascar’s unique biodiversity, both on land and underwater.
We provide a safe, inclusive environment for volunteers from around the world to create meaningful impact while fostering personal growth. Through sustainable research, conservation action, medical outreach, content development, and community engagement, we help improve local health and education. We also collaborate with other organizations to build a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for Madagascar.
Program at a glance
Why choose us?
Our Content and Digital Media Creator Program offers a unique opportunity for storytellers, creatives, and aspiring content professionals to support MRCI’s conservation and community projects by producing photos, videos, and written content that raise awareness and engage volunteers.
Participants document field activities across all programs, including Marine (dry activities), Forest Conservation, Turtle Monitoring, Community Development, and English Teaching. They capture volunteer life and local communities, conduct interviews, and create high-quality content for social media, blogs, and partner platforms.
Volunteers gain hands-on experience, build professional portfolios, and help amplify the voices of local communities, ensuring MRCI’s work is showcased ethically while attracting support that creates lasting impact for Madagascar’s people, ecosystems, and projects.
Requirements
Participants should have basic to advanced skills in photography, videography, graphic design, or writing, and must bring their own equipment (such as a camera, phone, laptop, editing software, GoPro, or a licensed drone). They should be creative, independent, open to feedback, respectful of Malagasy culture, and sensitive to ethical content collection.
Participants must be at least 18 years old on the program start date, although exceptions may be considered with written permission from a legal guardian or if accompanied by a parent. Volunteers should have an intermediate level of English to communicate effectively within the team and local community. There are no nationality restrictions; applicants from all around the world are welcome.
A commitment is required from Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 16:30, and participants must inform the team in advance of any medical conditions, allergies, or dietary requirements to ensure appropriate support during their stay.
Volunteer experience
Generally, each program has morning and afternoon activities; however, the Sea Turtle Monitoring program also includes night activities. After dinner each day, a briefing is held to review the activities for the following day. Note: The schedule will vary depending on the project, weather, and other field conditions.
Sample Schedule:
- 05:00–07:00 Breakfast at camp
- 06:00–08:00 Morning activities on project
- 12:00 Lunch at camp
- 14:00 Afternoon activities on project
- 16:00–17:00 Volunteer activities usually conclude
- 18:00 Dinner at camp
- 18:45 Evening briefing for the following day
To ensure the sustainability of our programs and support our partners and local communities, program fees are essential. Below is a list of costs for each program:
Turtle Monitoring Program:
- 1 week: €648
- 2 weeks: €896
- 3 weeks: €1,143
- 4 weeks: €1,391
- 5 weeks: €1,638
- 6 weeks: €1,886
- 7 weeks: €2,133
- 8 weeks: €2,381
- 9 weeks: €2,628
- 10 weeks: €2,876
- 11 weeks: €3,123
- 12 weeks: €3,371
Our camp consists of a series of locally built bungalows fitted with bunk beds that serve as volunteer sleeping quarters. Volunteers can expect to share a hut with three to four other volunteers and must bring their own bedding, mosquito net, and towels. There are several bathroom facilities equipped with running water, flush toilets, and cold-water showers.
Private rooms are available at an additional cost and are subject to availability. Single private rooms cost $230 per week, and double private rooms cost $280 per week.
Our camp is eco-friendly, with solar-powered lighting throughout. There are no charging facilities for electronic devices, so volunteers are encouraged to bring a solar panel and battery pack to keep their devices charged.
On camp, three meals per day are provided seven days a week. Each meal is prepared by our on-site cooks using traditional Malagasy cooking methods and fresh, locally grown, seasonal produce. Most meals are rice-based, typically served with beans cooked in a vegetable sauce, along with side vegetables. Menus vary depending on the season and availability of local produce.
Some meals may include fish or seafood, beef (zebu), or chicken. When included, meat is typically prepared in a sauce, cut into small pieces, and served over rice. In addition to bananas, breakfast usually consists of baguettes with jam, eggs, or crêpes.
A vegetarian option is available for all meals. However, due to logistical constraints and the remote location of the camp, we are unable to provide a vegan option.
Only cash is accepted on Nosy Be and Nosy Komba. There are no ATMs on Nosy Komba, so cash must be withdrawn from ATMs on nearby Nosy Be. ATMs accept VISA cards, while only one or two accept MasterCard. Volunteers typically find $50–$150 USD per week sufficient spending money depending on activities and purchases.
Note: Unless stated otherwise, volunteers organize trips independently and not through MRCI. Contact information from past volunteers is available on camp for arranging trips.
- Lokobe Forest Reserve
- Discovery scuba dive (through MRCI)
- Scuba training (through MRCI)
- Guided exploration of Nosy Komba (medicinal plants, wildlife)
- Tanikely Natural Reserve
- Nosy Iranja or Nosy Sakatia (snorkeling)
- Whale shark watching (seasonal)
- Sacred Tree or Waterfall (Nosy Be)
- Mount Passot hike (Nosy Be)
- Lemur parks (Nosy Be & Nosy Komba)
Photos (8 total)
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